Thread: Kids playset

Originally Posted by mighty_stanks

So I'm finally getting around to do something with the backyard. First port of call...a kids playset. The set itself is pretty big, which will require at least 8x8m area filled with softfall (or similar). The back of this boxed area will be hard against the fence, so, I figure 3 sides, each made up of 3x2.7m 200x50mm sleepers (total side length being 8.1m). I anticipate capping the top of the sleepers with 90x45mm for safety and aesthetics.

So, I know what I want...just need some clarification on how to do it. More so, how to lay and fix the sleepers together and to the ground. My preference is to potentially avoid numerous posts in the ground with quick-set concrete (planning for the future for possible re-design and/or removal when the kids get too big.

Should a bunch of pegs/stakes deep enough into the ground be enough to hold the sleepers in place...considering the capping would tie some/most of it all together?

Keen to hear some opinions, advice and suggestions.

Cheers

Morning Mighty, i may be able to provide a solution for you that will make it easier to remove later when redevelpoment is to take place, where the corners of the sleepers are, cut them as if overlapping like brick work does for corners, then get yourself some long lenght galvanised rod, usually around the 12-18 mm thickness, drill completely through the corners, this can be done at middle intervals as well to help the walls from moving under the weight of kids sand, hammer steel rod through holes into ground ,usually around 600mm is more than enough, warning, make sure no cables or water pipes underneath first, one lesson i learnt the hard way. then when you cap it all fixings dissapear, solid as but not hard to remove later.
When it comes to the kids sand pit area, i usually line it with heavy duty plastic stapled to the sleepers over lapped a little bit, this stops the weeds from coming up but make sure drainage is done for the rain if no cover over it, hope this may help you.

Gday Mighty,

Basically what Pratty has said. Use reo bar to hold the sleepers in place. Each end and one in the middle. Rebatting the joins like brikwork is the best method. Make sure you capping spreads over any joins as this will give it a bit more stability.

Instead of plastic use weed matting. This will stop the weeds as well as providing drainage.

One other thing...make sure you have a cover for the sandpit else the local cat community will use it as a toilet.

This is the reason why this forum is pretty sweet. I never would have thought to use reo. Simple.
I've redesigned the space a little to go from 8x8 down to 6.6x6.6, which the three sides would comprise of a [2.4] - [1.8] - [2.4] = 6.6. Each sleeper will have 3 reo's holding it in place, with the capping on top to provide extra strength. Would I need to fix something behind the sleepers to join them together, or would the 90x45 capping be enough to tie the joins together?

Also, should i create a level, flat footing underneath the sleepers or raise the sleepers themselves to ensure all 3 sides are level and flat?

Thanks in advance guys.

It's better to create a flat footing. Raising it cuases the problems of wash away.

The capping plus three rods will be enough.

If you are really worried about the sleeper separating then a few screws (100mm type) at the back joining one layer to the next should be sufficient.

My apologies for the amatuer questions - but as per the first post - I know what I need/want to do...just need the clarification Which I might add, has been pretty fantastic

H3, H4 etc etc etc, treated pine sleepers. Is simply sitting a sleeper on the ground classified as a H3 application, or H4 (even if its not physically in-ground)?

Cheers

For a smaller sand pit, I made a "lid" out of decking that is in 2 pieces (They overlap, and a block of wood underneath supports the centre). Serves as a good stage area when the sand pit is not in use, and is heavy enough the kids cant lift it.

mighty_stanks
Don't worry about the standard of treated pine you will use.
Your children will out grow this present project, before the timber starts to rot.
Then you will need to build something else in your back yard. ?

Paul.

Originally Posted by HOOKED.UP

mighty_stanks
Then you will need to build something else in your back yard. ?

That's why I want the whole setup easy to remove Although I have a 4yo and a 9 month old....it might be a loooonnggg time before they grow out of it....

If your drainage is good it will still probably rot but in 25 years for H4. I think they will have outgrown it. You on the other hand my not have... and it might then need a fix up for the grand kids

What if he hasn't out grown it after 25 years? I could use the rotting wood as an excuse.

"Son, I know you love the playset, but I gotta take it down, wood is rotting. And by the way, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL LIVING AT HOME DAMN IT!"

It really won't be a long time before they out grow it.
For your 9 month old, allow 10 years max.
That's just the way it is with children, they grow up fast and time passes ever more quickly for the rest of us.
HMMMM, starting to sound like an old man now. I should shut up.

Paul.